The Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) encountered a significant internal challenge on Monday regarding the formation of its campaign council ahead of the upcoming off-cycle gubernatorial election. There was discord within the party over the process through which the governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, appointed members to the campaign council without sufficient consultation with party leadership.
According to a statement from Samuel Ogunmusi, spokesperson for Agboola Ajayi, Eddy Olafeso, former National Vice Chairman (South West) of the party, was designated as the Chairman of Ajayi’s Campaign Council. Additionally, Clement Faboyede, the former state party chairman, was appointed as the Director General of the Campaign Council, with John Ola-Mafo assuming the role of Director General (Special Duties), and Deji Aseniserare serving as Secretary.
Kennedy Peretei, the party’s publicity secretary, expressed strong disapproval of Ajayi’s unilateral actions, characterizing them as embarrassing and in direct conflict with the party’s constitution.
“The statement issued by Samuel Ogunmusi appointing individuals to oversee the campaigns of H.E. Agboola Ajayi for the November election is not only embarrassing but also violates the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended). Articles 46(1) and 40(1)(a)(b) and (c) clearly do not allow for such announcements from individuals not authorized by the party. Therefore, all such announcements are deemed null, void, and of no effect.”
Peretei emphasized the party’s commitment to operating within the bounds of its constitution and legal framework, affirming that appointments to the Local Campaign Council would be conducted in accordance with established procedures and made public at the appropriate time.
